Alaska weeds you can eat

Focus Alaska

Ever since my late mom had told me that they ate dandelion as salad during WWII, I was fascinated about what weeds one can eat. Coming to Alaska I asked about edible weeds. Interestingly, many Alaskans did not know that one can eat dandelion (first weed in the photo below) leaves as salad or as a substitute for spinach in Italian baked spinach dishes.

In an earlier post, I already mentioned Alaska green rhubarb that also grows in the wild. The second weed in the photo below, is one that I like to put into black bean soup or in a salad as a herb. I just take the leaves and before it starts to bloom. The leaves feel a little furry.

Alaska weeds I eat. See text for information on how I use them in my dishes

The third weed from the left is fireweed. It is named so as it is one of the first plants to grown on a wildfire scar beside a certain type of morels – mushrooms that sell pretty expensive. I like fireweed as a flower. In cooked dishes, I prefer it as herb, but not as leave side dish. It is sort of bitter – in my opinion.

The last one has sort of an onion leaves taste. Many Alaskans grow it in their yards as a decorative plant and as the first fresh greens after the long winter.

OOTD – Wear it now, wear it later

I just bought this great red dress for fall. Since temperatures were in the lower 50s (~10oC) the other day, I already wore it. When I have something new I can’t wait to wear it as soon as possible. I added my lace-up sandals so the outfit looks appropriate for summer despite temperature suggests the contrary. The sandals pick up the tough vibe of the motorcycle style collar of this otherwise very feminine dress. The taupe tote is unexpected, but the light color pulls the look towards summer. In fall, I would add a black bag.

Do you wear some items that you bought to update your fall wardrobe already when you get a chance? What did you buy recently? Let me know by email.